WTI

Portable TMC-TMS Communications Demonstration - UTC

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

The general goal of the project is to present to Caltrans/other DOT technical staff a number of new, viable alternatives for TMC-TMS communications in a (semi-) realistic, portable demonstration environment using real ITS equipment. The primary outcome of the project is the demonstration, with the system itself and associated documentation as related deliverables.

Project Abstract

Data communication between a TMC and TMS in rural areas across the country presents numerous challenges for both fixed and mobile deployment. At present, transportation staff must conduct extensive design and development to build out their communication systems. The research and development conducted in this project will result in a system that could potentially save transportation staff time and effort. The specific objectives of this project are to: 1) Identify preferred communications technologies for demonstration purposes. 2) Acquire and integrate preferred communications components with the WTI/CE ITS trailers. This will include adapting equipment and technology already in WTI’s possession in addition to acquiring and integrating new equipment. 3) Design a realistic demonstration suitable for rapid, portable deployment. 4) Conduct a demonstration for Caltrans and other DOT technical representatives. 5) Document the system and applications that were demonstrated. 6) Post the design/blueprints of the system in accord with open system/open source practices via wiki or other similar outlet.

Task Descriptions

1. Acquisition and Assembly
   1. Commercial-grade Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment will be purchased and integrated with the WTI/CE trailer(s) to form the system. WiMax, cellular and Wi-Fi equipment is already in the possession of the project team. Currently, WTI has several subscriber modules for the Motorola Canopy system, however, an access point will need to be purchased so the trailers can communicate with each other. It is uncertain at this point whether one or two trailers will be used for the demonstration. This will depend in part on the logistics and cost of transporting the trailers. In the event that one trailer is employed, a “tripod” may be used for equipment on the other side of the link for connectivity with the trailer.
2. Demonstration
   1. The planned venue for the demonstration is the 2008 Western States Transportation Technology Implementers Forum (attended by Caltrans and other ITS engineers), to be held at the Mt. Shasta Resort in California in early June. This venue was identified by Sean Campbell from Caltrans as being the most appropriate venue for demonstrations to Caltrans ITS engineers. The intent is to conduct the demonstration on the grounds of Mt. Shasta Resort as a follow-up to an indoor presentation of related work. If time allows, additional testing may be conducted in Caltrans District 1 near Eureka.
3. System and Demonstration Design
   1. The Caltrans TMC-TMS Communications project serves as primary motivation for this project, and many of the general requirements and technologies have been determined within the scope of that project. Requirements will address associated ITS applications, data rates, service reliability, equipment grades, interfaces (hardware and software), and cost, as well as suitability for the intended demonstration and audience. It is anticipated that the trailer will be equipped with camera and detection capability. Key design features will include capability for easy and secure transport, modularity, and quick setup. To map out system operations and logistics planned for the formal demonstration, comprehensive demonstration scenarios will be developed (and tested). It is anticipated that demonstrations will use links of a mile or less, although the system should support testing of links of greater length.
4. Project Management
   1. Project management will include supervision of staff, budget monitoring and progress reports.
5. System and Demonstration Testing
   1. To ensure proper performance, test plans will be created and the system will be tested at WTI and at representative test areas, such as canyons in the Bozeman, Mont., area. Setup and tear-down of equipment will also be a component of system testing. It is recognized that radio interference is a reality that may be encountered in “real” deployments. To provide transparency of all system details and issues, radio interference challenges will be addressed and fully documented.
6. System Evaluation and Final Report
   1. While it is important to remember that the system is intended to demonstrate communication technologies, the system itself will be evaluated for performance and design. Key feedback will come from Caltrans and other ITS engineers in attendance at the Western States Forum by using the standard evaluation that is requested of participants at the Forum. Results will be documented in a final report, and results may be presented and demonstrated at conferences. The system will be documented in sufficient detail so that it can be readily replicated and enhanced by others.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Rural ITS Communication, ITS, TMC – TMS Communication

Partners

Caltrans